CONTROLS Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

controls 1 of 2

noun

plural of control

as in controllers

a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked

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as in hands

the ability to direct the course of something after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control firefighters keeping control of the blaze

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as in operations

the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas

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as in powers

the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control

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controls

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of control

as in regulates

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper

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as in contains

to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks

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as in rules

to exercise authority or power over circumstances often control the choices we make in life

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as in operates

to look after and make decisions about during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of controls

Noun

Beijing's core motivation is maintaining strict capital controls; a freely transferable yuan token would undermine this. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Investigators allege the scheme relied on a critical breakdown in internal controls. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 Cells must be assembled into modules and systems, with the finished equipment incorporating the components and controls required for large-scale energy storage. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 Italians arriving at Barcelona airport were subject to random police checks after the controls were put into effect overnight, according to Spain’s state news agency EFE. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 While most handheld fans have analog controls, the ChillPill has a sleek touchscreen for one-touch adjustments. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 So much of what the product promises depends on OpenAI's software side, but the execution stumbles by scattering controls across multiple places. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026 The cabin feels more mature, with better materials than the outgoing Bolt and an intuitive layout that doesn't require a black belt to adjust the climate controls. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 With gameplay systems, mechanics, controls, and visuals fully rebuilt on Unreal Engine 5, The Coalition aims to deliver the ultimate Gears of War experience with E-Day, and at least the atmosphere and tone seem pitch-perfect. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Verb

The doctor controls the blade or needle under high magnification. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The creator still controls the cadence, message, delivery and final cut. — Taylor Reilly, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The apparent stalemate comes as Israel still controls roughly 70% of Gaza, according to Palestinian officials and aid agencies. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026 El-Sayed survived millions in super PAC spending aimed at branding him too extreme for a race that could determine who controls the Senate in the next Congress, ultimately winning with less than 50% of the vote. — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 Saudi aggression against the group – which controls a large swathe of western Yemen, including its capital Sanaa – is reason enough for military action against Riyadh’s forces, Nasr al-Din Amer said. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Although De la Espriella won the presidency, his party controls only five seats in the Senate, while Petro’s Historic Pact remains the largest individual political bloc. — Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 When your estrogen levels start to drop in midlife, your hypothalamaus, the part of the brain that controls your temperature regulation. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 3 Aug. 2026 Our story about the newest fight over public lands in Utah reveals longstanding debates over who controls the West. — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controls

Noun

Known as programmable logic controllers, these devices can be used like an industrial version of home thermostats.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
These components, called programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, turn industrial equipment on and off, controlling factors such as water pressure or chemicals added in treatment plants.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of controllers

Noun

On Thursday, Clancy loudly sobbed, shuddered and covered her face with her hands as a medical examiner testified about Callan’s autopsy.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Those workers understand what a white-collar reader mostly does not, which is that the moment your knowledge leaves your hands is the moment your leverage leaves with it.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of hands

Noun

Leaders of several similar operations including Masonicare in Wallingford, Duncaster in Bloomfield and Elim Park in Hamden joined Fairview officials in applauding its growth.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
That is potentially significant because modern military operations increasingly depend on networks containing aircraft, ships, unmanned systems, sensors and command-and-control nodes from multiple organizations.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of operations

Verb

The crematory agreed to shut down its operations amid a probe by the Illinois State Comptroller's office, which regulates the cremation industry.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Utah has been on the front lines of a battle between states and the federal government over who regulates the markets and whether they should be considered finance or gambling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulates

Verb

Kash explains that turmeric contains a specific type of polyphenol called curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (and is what gives the spice its bright yellow color).

— Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
The Tampico-Misantla basin contains 20 Tcf of unconventional gas, which may not be critical to supply Mexico.

— Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of contains

Verb

Hamas is the terrorist group that has pledged to eliminate Israel, which operates in Gaza, the area adjacent to Israel.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026
Retail operates as an interconnected system where merchandising, supply chain, warehouse operations, stores, e-commerce and customer service constantly influence one another.

— Shariq Rehman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026